in my life to sit there and pretend to be his friend, to listen to this kind of >>> the ahead of the nra fires back at critics, explaining why he wants to address gun violence in school with more guns. >>> retailers prepare for the last holiday hurrah as time tux away for shopping procras procrastinato procrastinators. >>> plus, a u.s. senator arrested on dui charges. the world's most expensive dinner. and "the hobbit" holds on. "early today" starts right now. >>> this is "early today" for monday, december 24, 2012. >> and a very good morning to you on this christmas eve, i'm veronica de la cruz. >>> days after the national rifle association's first public comments since the newtown massacre, critics are taking aim at the controversial plan to put armed guards in schools. the head of the powerful group is sticking to its guns on the explosive issue. one congress won't be able to do anything about until sometime next month. brian mooar has details. >> reporter: in his first interview after the connecticut shooting tragedy, nra chief wayne lapierre was defiant. >> look, a gun is a tool. th